A general election in the UK is held at maximum every five years from the day the new Parliament first meets. However, it can be held sooner if the Prime Minister requests the monarch to dissolve Parliament or under certain exceptional circumstances. Following the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, the timing of the general election can be at the Prime Minister's discretion within that five-year period, with polling day occurring 25 working days after dissolution. Since 1935, general elections have traditionally been held on Thursdays. To summarize:
- Parliament's maximum term is 5 years.
- General elections can be called earlier at the Prime Minister's request.
- Polling occurs 25 working days after dissolution.
- General elections are normally held on Thursdays.
- There are 650 constituencies each electing one MP to the House of Commons.
